context: Ahead of COP28 in Dubai in Nov/Dec 2023, the PRC and US are working on establishing a collaborative framework to address the pressing issue of climate change. After a prolonged period of minimal contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, Track II diplomatic dialogues have recently become reactivated, representing a commitment to fostering deeper ties in environmental cooperation. US climate envoy Kerry held meetings in Beijing on 16-19 July.
We need to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation, and quickly form green production and lifestyles, stated Li Gao 李高 MEE (Ministry of Ecology and Environment) Climate Change Department director-general at the ‘China-US Climate Finance Track II Dialogue’ held on 21 July. He noted that in the face of the current difficulties in PRC-US relations, strengthening exchanges and promoting cooperation in the field of climate change is not only significant for the relations between the two countries but also for addressing global climate change.
Li highlighted that the upcoming COP28 in Dubai will propose an initiative for renewable energy development goals. If global renewable energy is to develop further, then the PRC and the US should create a favourable environment for it, he stressed. The proposal should be seriously considered from the perspective of global interests and reflect on relevant policies, he said.
The most active part of the PRC's economy is the development of technologies and industries closely related to climate change, photovoltaics, wind power, electric vehicles and energy storage, Li stressed. Responding to climate change not only protects the environment and climate but also promotes economic development, he noted. The PRC will organise a renewable energy theme day during COP28, he said.
Regarding Kerry's visit to the PRC, Li said the two special envoys (Kerry and Xie Zhenhua) and their teams will continue to meet, conduct in-depth exchanges and promote PRC-US cooperation on climate change.
Li further stated that the PRC expects
- developed countries to fulfil their US$100 bn commitment before COP28, clarify the doubling route for adaptation funding, and make a greater contribution to setting new collective quantitative funding targets after 2025
- COP28 to make a strong decision on the global adaptation goal, complete the construction of the loss and damage finance mechanism, and fully respond to the long-term calls of developing countries for financial, technical and capacity-building support needs